Youth Day: Toast to class of ’76
June 16 is Youth Day. During this time, young people are encouraged to commemorate the month by reflecting on the efforts of young people who contributed to the struggle for freedom.
LIMPOPO – THE month of June is Youth Month in South Africa, with June 16 as Youth Day. During this time, young people are encouraged to commemorate the month by reflecting on the efforts of young people who contributed to the struggle for freedom.
Express asked young residents what the month meant to them.
Nyiko Maswanganyi said she was grateful to the young people of 1976 who fought for our freedom.
“This means a lot to me because I can be taught in a language I understand. They faced a lot of challenges, but that did not stop them from fighting for what they believed in.”
Michelle Makhubela said she was proud to be a young person right now, especially during this month, but said more still needed to be done.
“We face a lot of challenges as young people, such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and peer pressure, and government is not doing enough to address these issues.”
“I think it is a privilege since we are living in a democratic country and we have access to proper education. We are able to enrich our minds with so much knowledge that is freely available to us, but we do not want to be educated. We are so busy with our smartphones and looking good,” said Reginald Matlala.
Marothi Letsoalo said Youth Month was a time to celebrate fallen heroes.
“It is truly a wonderful time in our country, but I feel like what they fought for was in vain because we now struggle to get jobs even though we are educated.”
“I feel proud because it means I can enjoy my freedom and the perks that come with it. Even though I am excited about Youth Month, young people today are in my opinion, very lazy and they are not serious about anything, especially education. That is why we have such a high level of teenage pregnancy,” said Mosima Ramabu.
Eugene Phala said he felt sad as people such as Hector Petersen lost their lives standing up for the rights of all.
“The young people of 1976 battled Apartheid and an inadequate education system with no resources and facilities. Today, we have all that at our disposal, but we are lazy and we don’t struggle with anything.”
Thabang Mpebe said he appreciated the young people of 1976 for what they fought for as they paved the way for all young people in the country.
